Shallow Pools Popular

April 10, 1990

Pools are getting shallower. Ninety-five percent of all pools he does are 3-to-6 or 3-to-5 feet deep, says Mark Hanrahan, president of Hanrahan Aquatics Inc. in Newport News. Only seven or eight years ago, pools were 8 feet deep and had diving boards.

One reason for the switch is insurance premiums. "Insurance premiums are much higher if you have a diving board," says Hanrahan. He adds that shallow pools are more family oriented and give more pool for the money. In pools with diving boards, only the person diving can use the deep end of the pool at one time. Thus, only part of the pool is available for family use.

Two other pool builders agree. Mary Coughlin, sales manager for McBroom Pools says, "Play pools are a trend we see now. You are still swimming and playing, but it's safer."

Another safety feature he recommends is a fence. The cities of Hampton and Newport News require a fence either be placed around the pool or the yard, unless the home is on the water. In this case, the water represents the boundary on that side. Counties do not require fences, but Bowman recommends them.

"It is heartbreaking to get home from a trip and find that a neighbor's child has drowned in your pool. It's almost a necessity that the pool be fenced, whether this is required or not."

Another trend seems to be toward inground pools instead of above ground. "It just depends on finances and how much return on investment you want," says Hanrahan. An inground pool will help build on the investment while an above ground will not, he says. This is true of either a vinyl or concrete pool.

Part of the reason the demand for inground pools has increased is the home equity line of credit.

"The vast majority of people, especially for vinyl pools, are using some kin d of real estate or equity loan," says Coughlin.

The typical kidney or rectangular shaped pools are the most popular with Hanrahan's clients, but not with Coughlin's.

"We can customize so we can design whatever the customer imagines. A good portion of our business is geared toward being completly customized with many design features to fit in with the landscape."

Examples include pools with waterfalls, triangle shapes, free forms and those with fiber optics or strip lighting that fits in well with contemporary homes.

"We make it fit with the environment. We don't just drop in a square or rectangular pool," Coughlin says.

Bowman recalls a case of a woman who laid her garden hose down on the ground. "We built the pool accordingly. There were no straight lines in it. Some want something different. Others want the rectangular or kidney."

Additionally, many people build hot tubs and pools at the same time, says Hanrahan.

All three have suggestions for homeowners choosing someone to build their pool.

First, say all three, find out how long the firm has been in business under the same ownership. Many out-of-town companies open offices here for only four or five months, then leave. This is bad when repairs or maintenance work is required, says Hanrahan. "Find out how available they'll be if a problem arises."

Coughlin suggests asking about service. "After-sale assistance, whether with repairs, parts or with the water chemistry" is important.

Check references and the Better Business Bureau. Also visit the physical location of the prospective builder, she says.

Hanrahan also urges caution when buying products such as chlorine. "Make sure you know how to use the product." He says people often use too much of a product or mistakingly buy something at a premium price, when a product with exactly the same ingredients is available for much less. "They are the exact same product, but one has a fancy name," he says.

Misuse of pool products can damage the pool or its fill systems. Then, the homeowner must completely empty the pool and refill it, which is expensive.